Our Team

Paul Varisco

Paul Varisco

Chairman of the Board

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As Chairman of the Board, Paul Varisco remains actively engaged with Team Gleason’s leadership and staff to ensure the mission set forth by founders Steve and Michel—to improve life for those living with ALS—continues to thrive.

Paul is not only Steve’s father-in-law but also the original Team Gleason team member. As the former Executive Director, he spent over a decade shaping the Foundation’s vision, culture, and impact. His unwavering leadership, thoughtful insight, and tireless dedication have been instrumental in building Team Gleason into what it is today.

A lifelong New Orleanian, Paul is a seasoned entrepreneur, restaurateur, and the lead singer of a local band. His unique ability to guide and inspire a passionate team has helped drive both innovation and fundraising for the organization. Whether he’s launching new initiatives or remembering everyone’s birthday, Paul continues to be the heart of the Team Gleason family.

Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason

Co-founder

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Steve Gleason played for The New Orleans Saints from 2000-2008. As a counter-culture athlete who spent his off-season adventuring in third world countries, he will always be remembered for his blocked punt on the night the Louisiana Superdome reopened for the first time after Hurricane Katrina.

In January, 2011 Steve was diagnosed with ALS, considered a terminal neuromuscular disease. Beyond his faith that there is a solution to heal, it is his mission to show that people can not only live but thrive after this diagnosis. In doing so, he intends to inspire others to do the same.  With that in mind, Steve and his wife, Michel, formed “Team Gleason” to help him accomplish those goals and more.

Steve has helped pass 2 laws, innovated for and helped create new technologies for people with ALS and other disabilities, is a Congressional Gold Medal Winner, and most importantly, the father of two amazing children.

Michel Varisco

Michel Varisco

Co-founder & Merchandise

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Michel has been described as the pillar of Team Gleason. Although most pillars don’t collect swords and wear down jackets in the summer, she is eclectically the structure that completes and supports Team Gleason.

In her original role as Co-Founder of Team Gleason and also as Steve’s wife, Michel had a crash course in ALS and all that implies. In the film, ‘Gleason’, she and Steve shared their story with the world, creating enormous awareness for the disease and Team Gleason. Her official roles are as an advisor and also managing merchandise for the organization, but she remains a pillar or maybe two. And, every good idea is always attributed to Michel.

Blair Casey

Blair Casey

Chief Executive Officer

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Blair Casey’s journey with Team Gleason began in 2012, when he became a caretaker for Steve Gleason following Steve’s ALS diagnosis. What began as a deeply personal role quickly evolved into a lifelong mission to improve the lives of people living with ALS. Over the past 13 years, Blair has grown alongside the foundation—beginning as a Technology Associate and steadily expanding his impact across all facets of the organization. 

Now serving as Chief Executive Officer, Blair leads Team Gleason with a vision rooted in innovation, compassion, and purpose. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s direction, overseeing key areas such as finance, program services, strategic partnerships, and technology innovation. 

Blair currently serves as Chair of the Innovation and Technology Council (ITAC) for The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations and chairs Team Gleason’s Technology Advisory Committee. He has spearheaded groundbreaking partnerships with companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft—advancing the development of assistive technologies that enhance accessibility and independence for people with ALS. 

In recognition of his leadership and dedication to the ALS community, Blair was named to Gambit’s 2022 “40 Under 40” list. As CEO, he continues to build on Team Gleason’s legacy, driven by the belief that people with ALS can live meaningful and empowered lives. 

David Darragh

David Darragh

Chief Strategy Officer

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David Darragh serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Team Gleason, where he leads efforts to elevate the foundation’s national presence through strategic partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and long-range planning. Since joining the organization as Managing Director, David has played a vital role in Team Gleason’s expansion—more than doubling its size in just three years, securing critical state and federal funding, and driving significant growth in fundraising. His leadership also helped launch transformative partnerships, including a groundbreaking collaboration with Ochsner Health. 

With a long-standing executive background in food manufacturing and marketing, David made a purposeful shift toward mission-driven work, bringing his business acumen and people-centered leadership style to the ALS community. He finds deep fulfillment in developing team culture and is energized by working alongside passionate colleagues who are united in purpose. 

As Chief Strategy Officer, David works closely with the CEO and leadership team to guide strategic initiatives that support the organization’s growth and impact. His work focuses on building relationships, expanding corporate giving, and developing a robust, sustainable fundraising strategy to ensure that Team Gleason continues empowering people living with ALS across the country. 

David’s connection to ALS began with the story of Lou Gehrig and deepened through the example set by Steve Gleason. He draws daily inspiration from their courage and resilience. Originally from Cincinnati, David moved to New Orleans in 1998, where he and his wife are raising their two children.

Kenny Mellor

Kenny Mellor

Chief Financial Officer

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Kenny is integral to the fundamental day-to-day financial and operational aspects within Team Gleason. His background in business and finance has been an asset to Team Gleason’s primary focus of helping people with ALS each and every day. The role Kenny plays ensures the Foundation can continue to say “yes” to thousands of requests each year.

Although Kenny did not know much about ALS, he joined Steve’s care team in 2016 and now has a rich understanding of not only the disease, but a valued understanding of the complexities of caring for someone with the disease. Kenny’s first-hand knowledge has made him a go-to resource for troubleshooting and problem solving for our team.

Suzanne Alford

Suzanne Alford

Strategic Advisor - Marketing & Advertising

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Everything in Suzanne’s life directed her perfectly to Team Gleason. She’s been friends with Michel since the 9th grade, was in Steve and Michel’s wedding, and is a leader in advertising and marketing.  When Team Gleason was founded, Suzanne jumped in with both feet to assist with all things creative. 

When Steve declared there will be “no white flags” when founding Team Gleason, Suzanne seemed to make that her personal mantra when approaching any project for the group or for people with ALS.

Katherine O'Hagan

Katherine O'Hagan

Chief Development Officer

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Katherine O’Hagan joins Team Gleason as the Chief Development Officer. Formerly with LSU Health Foundation, Katherine has experience leading major gift fundraising efforts. Overall, her track record of fundraising leadership spans over 20 years across both the investment banking and non profit industries.

A graduate of Siena College in Albany, New York, Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance. She went on to pursue her interest in global business development at major investment banks and hedge funds including UBS (NYC) , Merrill Lynch (NYC) and KBC (NYC/London).  After 12 years on wall street, Katherine transitioned into non-profit fundraising and development to follow her passion for broadened accessibility in both academics and health care.

As a native of NYC, Katherine fell in love with New Orleans as a regular attendee of Jazz Fest.  Since 2019, she is a proud resident that enjoys taking advantage of the rich and unique culture of this city especially live music.

Adina Bradshaw, MS CCC-SLP, ATP

Adina Bradshaw, MS CCC-SLP, ATP

Chief Impact Officer

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Adina Bradshaw serves as Chief Impact Officer at Team Gleason, where she leads the strategic development and expansion of innovative programs that deliver measurable, lasting impact for people living with ALS and their families. In this role, Adina oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives that advance Team Gleason’s mission through evidence-based practices and forward-thinking solutions. 

A nationally recognized expert in Assistive Technology and Speech-Language Pathology, Adina brings over two decades of clinical and leadership experience to the foundation. Before joining Team Gleason, she worked in the Accessibility Center of Excellence at Twitter and led efforts in clinical practice, assistive technology, and research at Shepherd Center.  Her commitment to accessibility and inclusion has made her a trusted voice in developing solutions that empower people with mobility, speech, and communication disabilities. 

Adina holds multiple professional credentials including RESNA certification as an Assistive Technology Professional and IAAP certification in Accessibility Core Competencies. She also holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a licensed speech pathologist in Georgia. Her interdisciplinary background drives her passion for creating scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of technology and care. 

As Chief Impact Officer, Adina ensures that Team Gleason remains a leader in delivering high-quality, innovative support to the ALS community—advocating for change, raising awareness, and turning bold ideas into practical solutions.  

Brad Duos, MCD, CCC-SLP

Brad Duos, MCD, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

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As a member of Team Gleason’s Innovation Team, Brad is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with ALS and their caregivers. His work as a Speech-Language Pathologist involves research, innovation, and the delivery of cutting-edge services and resources to people across the country. Brad’s commitment to utilizing Assistive Technology to enhance quality of life is a crucial component of his role.

Born and raised in central Louisiana, Brad has found a home in New Orleans for more than a decade. His educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Pre-Professional Speech-Language Pathology from Louisiana Tech University and a master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans.

Brad’s life experiences and interest in technology are what drive him. Beyond his professional dedication, Brad is a die-hard Saints fan, a loving pet parent to a Frenchie named Beaux, and a passionate concert-goer.

Sarah Mosely, MSP, CCC-SLP, ATP

Sarah Mosely, MSP, CCC-SLP, ATP

Partnership and Innovation Project Manager

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Sarah Mosely, MSP, CCC-SLP, ATP serves as the Partnership and Innovation Project Manager at Team Gleason, where she helps drive strategic growth through collaboration and technology innovation. A Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Professional, Sarah brings more than a decade of experience in inpatient neurorehabilitation, school-based AAC services, and research focused on the accessibility and usability of mainstream technologies.
In her role, Sarah manages key partnerships with external organizations and supports the development and evaluation of emerging technologies with the potential to positively impact the ALS community. Her unique blend of clinical expertise, research experience, and passion for innovation allows her to contribute meaningfully to Team Gleason’s mission of improving life for people living with ALS by helping them maintain autonomy, identity, and connection.
Sarah was drawn to Team Gleason by the opportunity to combine her lifelong interests in research, technology, and communication into a single, purpose-driven role. She finds her work deeply fulfilling, knowing that the technologies she helps bring forward can empower individuals to reclaim pieces of their independence and self-expression. 

Alise Robbins

Alise Robbins

Senior Manager, ALS Care Integration & Impact

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Alise brings a passion for building meaningful partnerships and improving systems to her role as Senior Manager, ALS Care Integration & Impact at Team Gleason.
 
Team Gleason became the perfect fit for Alise’s enthusiasm for helping others. She combines her background in operations, process improvement, and partnership development to serve people living with ALS and their families. In her role, she works to strengthen partnerships with healthcare organizations, improve care processes, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, and use data to expand access to Team Gleason’s resources and programs.
 
Through her work, Alise has gained a deep appreciation for the resilience of the ALS community and the dedication of the caregivers, clinicians, and advocates who support them. Inspired by watching a family member navigate lifelong health challenges, she is committed to helping create sustainable programs that make it easier for individuals and families to access the care and support they need.
 
Originally from Slidell, Alise enjoys boating and fishing with her husband, spending time with their three Great Danes, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and getting creative in her craft room.
Andrea Cressionnie

Andrea Cressionnie

Program Services Manager

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As Program Services Manager at Team Gleason, Andrea oversees Program Services operations, service quality, and team performance to drive the organization’s impact. She brings nearly 15 years of experience in home and community-based services and long-term services and support across Louisiana and Mississippi, including over a decade with a federal program helping individuals transition out of institutional settings and remain independent in their communities. 

“It is difficult to put into words how deeply this work affects me,” Andrea says. “My career did not begin with this purpose in mind, but time and time again, I have felt called back to work that promotes dignity, access, and independence for people living with disabilities.” Andrea supported individuals living with ALS in prior roles before joining Team Gleason, giving her a deep understanding of access, independence, and person-centered care.  

Originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, she’s a college graduate who has called the New Orleans area home for nearly 12 years. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, live music, and finding a really good slice of pizza. 

 Michael Holoway

Michael Holoway

Technology & Equipment Team Manager

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Louisiana native Michael Holoway is a perfect addition to the Team Gleason Technology program. His experience in leadership, management and customer service is incredibly valuable for Team Gleason’s mission, but also critically important to the ALS community.

In joining Team Gleason, Michael said, “the ability to bring positive change into people’s lives is the most rewarding thing I have ever had the pleasure of doing in my professional career.”

Michael is a life-long Saints fan and that kind of fighting spirit is a job requirement at Team Gleason.

Travis Lux

Travis Lux

Voice Preservation Program Coordinator

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Travis serves as the Voice Preservation Program Coordinator for Team Gleason. In this role, Travis works with individuals and their caretakers to educate and guide them through the process of recording their voice. Travis credits his experience as both a journalist and a nursing assistant to his ability to connect with others. His time working in hospice care taught him the value of feeling comfortable as a patient, the impact of disease management and education, and the importance of caring for the caregiver. Disappointed by the gaps left in the healthcare system, Travis felt a calling to work for a non-profit that delivers real and tangible support to people in need.
 
Travis brings his Southern charm with him wherever he goes. Originally from Texas, Travis has lived all over, including Memphis, the Northeast, and Baton Rouge, before falling in love with Louisiana and calling it home. Travis studied Anthropology and Sociology at Rhodes College and graduated in 2012.
Jane Bilbe

Jane Bilbe

Voice Preservation Program Associate

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As Voice Preservation Associate at Team Gleason, Jane helps people living with ALS set up voice and message banking, giving them a way to preserve their own voice for the future. She approaches the work with genuine pride, drawn to Team Gleason by a passion for nonprofit work and a desire to help people who truly need it.

Jane first learned about ALS about ten years ago, attending a Team Gleason event with family friends, an experience that stuck with her long before she joined the team. She credits her compassion and patience as qualities that shape how she shows up for the people she works with every day, and hopes to make a lasting, positive difference in their lives. Originally from Covington, Louisiana, Jane spends her free time working out, going on walks, and enjoying time with family.

Jarrett Orr

Jarrett Orr

Program Service CRM Coordinator

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With a degree in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans, Jarrett’s ability to troubleshoot equipment and eagerness to learn about assistive technology makes him the perfect fit for Team Gleason. As Program Service CRM Coordinator, Jarrett draws from his past experience working in IT to assist people living with ALS. Educating pALS on assistive solutions and helping them navigate available options for equipment are just two of the daily tasks Jarrett takes on. 

Working within the non-profit world comes easy to Jarrett as he was raised by a parent with a tenure in non-profit fundraising. As a native New Orleanian, he understands the importance of Team Gleason and felt called to serve his city. You can find Jarrett all over the Greater New Orleans area exploring restaurants and the newest pop-ups. He’ll tell you all about his bobblehead collection or chat about the Saints, Pelicans, or St. Louis Cardinals.

Leah Frazier

Leah Frazier

Technology & Equipment Associate

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Leah was introduced to Team Gleason after her mother-in-law was diagnosed with ALS in 2013, and the organization has held a special place in her heart ever since. Now, as a Technology and Equipment Associate, she helps pALS access the tools they need to thrive. Her experience as a caregiver to her late husband, Adrian, who battled brain cancer, taught her how meaningful it is to be met with compassion, and she brings that same care and understanding to every interaction she has with those in the ALS community. Team Gleason is lucky to have Leah and the kindness she gives to everyone she supports.

Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Leah has lived in New Orleans since 2010. She enjoys running, teaching Sunday School, and spending time with her goldendoodle, Mack.

Alexus Dedrick

Alexus Dedrick

Technology & Equipment Associate

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As a Technology and Equipment Associate at Team Gleason, Alexus is inspired every day by her passion for advocacy and helping people living with ALS access the tools they need to maintain independence and support their caregivers. “The diagnosis doesn’t make them less human or less capable of great things, and giving them the opportunity to receive the respect of being heard and seen is what I strive to do” 

Originally from Humboldt County, California, Alexus graduated college at just 17. She has experience supporting students with learning disabilities and taught herself American Sign Language to better connect with people who are hard of hearing. Outside of work, you may see her rummaging through various thrifts, book sellers, and craft stores, but she will most likely be cuddled up at home with a project. 

Sophia Mouk

Sophia Mouk

Technology & Equipment Associate

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As a Technology and Equipment Associate at Team Gleason, Sophia is driven by a deep commitment to meaningful, people-centered work. She supports individuals living with ALS by answering and processing incoming requests for equipment and services, ensuring they are connected to what they need with care and efficiency. Sophia is motivated by creating a consistent, thoughtful workflow that helps reduce stress for pALS and their loved ones during an incredibly challenging time. 

Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sophia brings a strong background in customer service and industrial design to her role. Her design education sharpened her ability to assess user needs and continually improve systems, while personal connections to family members with neurological conditions broadened her understanding of accessibility and inclusion. Grateful that compassion and empathy are central tools in her work, Sophia finds that supporting others has also deepened her own sense of self-compassion. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, painting, fishing, and playing games like poker, pool, and Mahjong. 

Mary Schmidt

Mary Schmidt

Technology and Equipment Coordinator

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Mary serves as a Technology and Equipment Coordinator for Team Gleason – guiding and educating individuals and their caretakers through the process of finding accessible equipment and technology. Mary’s experience as a special education teacher led her to develop a deep interest in promoting accessibility for others. Working with students with limited verbal communication and motor skills helped guide her to Team Gleason.
 
Building relationships with the ALS community is important to Mary. She enjoys assisting those living with ALS and their caregivers, especially learning and understanding their unique needs and finding accessible solutions. Mary believes that everyone has the right to independence, and she is proud that her work with Team Gleason truly enhances the quality of life for others.
Lance Gaulden

Lance Gaulden

Shipping & Logistics Coordinator

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As the Shipping & Logistics Coordinator, Lance’s role is critical to putting assistive equipment and technology into the hands of our ALS community. Lance works daily to ensure individuals and their caregivers are equipped with what they need to live productive lives.

Lance was drawn to join Team Gleason after learning how the foundation’s work combines his interest in Information Technology with the ability to help others. Lance has truly enjoyed meeting and speaking with new people and learning about their journey. The highlight of his day is hearing back from individuals after they have received their new technology. When he isn’t helping others at work, Lance enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.
Louis Flores

Louis Flores

Shipping and Logistics Associate

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Louis Flores serves as the Shipping and Logistics Associate at Team Gleason, where he manages the shipping, return, and inventory of portable power wheelchairs and other loaner devices. His work ensures that critical equipment gets to people living with ALS efficiently, reliably, and with care.
 
Drawn to Team Gleason by its bold mission to serve 100% of the ALS community in the U.S., Louis brings both professional expertise and personal connection to the role. He previously worked in logistics, managing a team responsible for large and small parcel shipments, and he now applies that experience to supporting individuals and families navigating ALS. Having seen the impact of the disease firsthand through family and friends, Louis is deeply motivated by the gratitude he hears from people whose lives are made more human and hopeful through restored mobility. A New Orleans native, he enjoys spending time with family, exploring new restaurants, staying active at the gym, and learning Mahjong.
Emily Cornett

Emily Cornett

Adventure Coordinator

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Emily’s love of travel is the perfect prerequisite to create and coordinate Team Gleason Adventures for people living with ALS. She’s traveled extensively and understands not only the joy and anticipation of travel, but also the preparation for a successful adventure. She says it best, “traveling changes you and informs you. If I can help anyone travel, especially those facing barriers they shouldn’t have to, I’ll be happy.” 

If her travel background wasn’t enough, Emily has worked in disability rights and in journalism. She first learned about ALS through the Ice Bucket Challenge and then saw Steve and Team Gleason in a Mardi Gras parade. Once she became more familiar with team Gleason’s mission, she joined the Team in an effort to return to helping people. We are thrilled to have her, but we especially hope she brings some of her Scottish folk dancing skills to the team.

Betty Maina

Betty Maina

Executive Assistant to the CEO

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Betty Maina is the Executive Assistant to the CEO at Team Gleason, where she supports executive leadership by managing priorities, coordinating schedules, and ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations. She helps drive clarity across meetings, communications, and projects while building systems and workflows that improve efficiency and reduce friction across the organization.

Drawn to Team Gleason’s deeply purpose‑driven mission, Betty finds meaning in contributing to work that directly supports individuals and families navigating ALS. Through this role, she has gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the ALS community and the importance of advocacy, innovation, and compassionate support. Her background in customer service, high‑pressure environments, health sector training, and experience in the AI space allows her to approach her work with both structure and empathy. Betty is family‑oriented and enjoys reading and cooking as ways to recharge outside of work.

Abby Muirhead

Abby Muirhead

Development Manager

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As the Development Manager, Abby Muirhead is fueled by a unique combination of professional expertise and personal dedication. Coming from a non-profit background and having served as a caregiver for a family member with ALS, Abby aspires to merge her skills and insights for a meaningful impact. In her role, Abby formulates and implements strategies to grow philanthropic support of Team Gleason.

Abby graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in Management Information Systems. Hailing from Houston, Abby warmly embraces the lively culture of New Orleans, finding joy in the city’s dynamic atmosphere and welcoming attitude. Beyond her professional commitments, Abby treasures moments with her family and shares a passion for Texas Longhorn sports.

Savanna Cranfield

Savanna Cranfield

Events and Development Associate

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A native of Bossier City, Louisiana, Savanna brings a thoughtful blend of professional experience and personal connection to her role as the Events and Development Associate at Team Gleason.

Having witnessed a close family member’s journey with ALS, Savanna is deeply inspired by the care, passion, and humanity Team Gleason offers to the ALS community. In her role, she supports the planning and execution of Team Gleason events, partners with third-party organizers, and contributes to vital fundraising efforts.

Prior to joining Team Gleason, Savanna worked in fundraising events, managing a wide range of programs from large-scale galas to intimate donor gatherings. Her background reflects a strong commitment to mission-driven work and community engagement.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Sparky. She also loves staying active, cooking, and exploring her creativity through pottery classes.

Amy Knoll

Amy Knoll

CRM and Development Coordinator

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As CRM and Development Coordinator at Team Gleason, Amy manages all things data for the Development team. That includes expanding and maintaining the CRM, ensuring accuracy in our giving records, reporting on donations, and communicating with donors and tributes. She’s a firm believer that data tells the truth, and she brings that conviction to everything from donor reporting to the occasional Costco supply run. 

“I dream of a day where treatments are not cost prohibitive to living purposeful lives,” Amy says, and until that day comes, she’s committed to getting more resources to the people who need them most. Amy previously worked at a leading rehabilitation hospital, ensuring patients got the most out of their care, and has a long history with disability rights work. Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, she “ran away to the city” before landing in New Orleans 16 years ago, and, as she puts it, New Orleans is stuck with her now. She calls Team Gleason a bit of a unicorn job, a rare chance to combine her love of data, her disability advocacy background, and her sense that everyone deserves the right to live their best life possible.  

Outside of work, Amy is a devoted reader and lifelong music fan who’s traveled to see favorite artists across cities and countries, a proud pet parent to three cats and a yellow lab puppy named Phil Lesh, and a loyal Chicago sports fan through and through. 

Kacie Banegas

Kacie Banegas

Content Strategist

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Steve once said, “through adversity we find our heroes,” and our very own Content Strategist, Kacie Banegas, is a living example of that statement. Kacie is a Type One diabetic, who like the ALS community we help, is empowered through the use of technology. Every day, Kacie uses innovative technology to manage her Diabetes, so she knows all too well how the power of technology can give back some of what diseases take away.

Kacie is the consummate “message-bringer.” She uses her natural writing abilities to share inspiring stories about the ALS community and the work Team Gleason does as community partners. Kacie was born and raised in New Orleans and we are glad she calls Team Gleason “home.”

Abby Segretto

Abby Segretto

Marketing Associate

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Born and raised in New Orleans, Abby grew up viewing Steve Gleason as a local legend and hero, making her path to Team Gleason feel full circle. Now a Marketing Associate, Abby supports the organization’s mission through content creation across social media, emails, blogs, and digital platforms, helping share the mission and impact of Team Gleason.

Abby’s connection to Team Gleason is deeply personal. After a close family friend was diagnosed with ALS, she developed a strong appreciation for the work being done to support individuals and families. In her role, she loves being able to share stories that move and inspire her every day, finding purpose in amplifying the voices and experiences that make Team Gleason so special. Outside of work, Abby enjoys advocating for animals, watching movies and TV shows, and being a proud cat parent.

Liz Chapoton

Liz Chapoton

Support Services Coordinator

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If there was ever a real-life superhero, the ALS community would tell you it’s Liz. Working directly with families living with ALS, Liz navigates insurance benefits and helps locate additional resources as needed. Longtime friend of Steve and Michel, Liz jumped right into supporting Team Gleason. “Following Steve’s diagnosis, I sought out families living with ALS, all of whom welcomed me and were eager to share their hard-earned knowledge and experiences,” she says. “If it can be said that there is a silver lining to this awful disease, it is the community. I’ve never met a more intelligent, respectful, and generous group of people and I continue to learn from them every day.”

Drawing from personal experiences with rare diseases, Liz hopes that her work with Team Gleason helps make someone else’s ALS journey just a little easier.

Kelly Viator

Kelly Viator

Support Services Coordinator

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As the founder of the Louisiana/Mississippi Chapter of the ALS Association who led the organization for 12 years, Kelly has a deep understanding of the needs of the ALS community. After losing her mother to the disease in 2001, she’s been committed to learning and teaching about ALS, while comforting and supporting the community.

As Team Gleason’s Respite Care Coordinator, Kelly is not only focused on supporting families who need respite relief, but she also connects directly with families after a recent diagnosis or ALS families who have unique questions or needs. 

Although Kelly has a specific role with Team Gleason, her purpose is best described in her own words, “I want to help bring light to their darkness, and hope to their despair. I only want to help as many families as I can.”

Rian Emmerson

Rian Emmerson

Northwest Liaison

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Rian is integral in all aspects of Team Gleason’s Pacific Northwest activities. Within the organization, Rian has known Steve the longest. She is his linebacker-in-law, as her husband Grady played football with Steve at WSU.

Despite not knowing much about ALS when Steve was diagnosed, Rian dug in and began helping in every way. She’s been instrumental in the growth of Team Gleason in Steve’s hometown of Spokane through Gleason Fest, the Gleason Classic Golf Tournament, and other events, while creating many more key programs that benefit people living with ALS.

Yvonne Mbugua

Yvonne Mbugua

HR Coordinator

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As Human Resources Coordinator at Team Gleason, Yvonne supports the organization’s people and day-to-day HR operations, from helping create a positive employee experience to coordinating people-related initiatives and ensuring staff have the resources they need to thrive. She’s drawn to work that combines organization and strategy with the human side of HR, helping build an environment where people feel valued, supported, and connected to the mission.

“Even the work we do behind the scenes can have a real impact on people’s lives,” Yvonne says. She was drawn to Team Gleason by its deeply human mission and the chance to be part of something bigger than herself, an organization that not only supports people living with ALS but advocates for dignity, independence, and a better quality of life. Her background in HR has taught her the importance of listening and understanding different perspectives, and her own personal experiences navigating change have shaped how she shows up for others with compassion and curiosity.

Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Yvonne enjoys walks in Karura Forest, a good show, and a good book when she’s recharging outside of work.

“Our foundation continues to work with leading minds in technology, and we believe we will continue to change how many live with physical limitations. Help us keep pushing the limits.”

– Steve Gleason